Top Five Boys Basketball Players to Watch in 2025-2026 Season

As the boys basketball season commences on November 27, 2025, attention turns to five standout players from the Daily Journal area who are set to make a significant impact. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and potential, making them key figures to watch throughout the season.

Lincoln Williams: Kankakee’s Star Player

Lincoln Williams, a senior guard from Kankakee, enters the season with high expectations. As the reigning Daily Journal Co-Player of the Year and the top recruit in Illinois according to Rivals and 247 Sports, Williams is a player to keep an eye on. He averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks per game last year, contributing to Kankakee’s impressive 25-6 record and their victory in the IHSA Class 3A Regional. Alongside fellow returning starters, including Indiana State commit EJ Hazelett, Williams aims to lead Kankakee to further success this season.

Callaghan O’Connor: Dual Threat at Bishop McNamara

At Bishop McNamara, Callaghan O’Connor showcases his talents both on the basketball court and on the baseball field, where he has committed to Notre Dame. The senior center was a pivotal player during his junior season, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, which earned him a spot on the Daily Journal All-Area third team. O’Connor’s contributions were vital in leading the Fightin’ Irish to a Class 2A Sectional title. He is part of a talented senior class that includes several skilled players, enhancing the team’s prospects this season.

Kobe Lawrence: Rising Star of Bradley-Bourbonnais

Kobe Lawrence, a junior from Bradley-Bourbonnais, is poised to step into a more prominent role following the graduation of program legend Nick Allen. Under new head coach Eric Long, who brings 20 years of coaching experience, Lawrence has the potential to emerge as one of Chicagoland’s top shooters. Last season, he averaged four points per game with a notable 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio. As the Boilermakers look to redefine their identity, Lawrence is expected to play a crucial role in their success.

Seth Walder: Cissna Park’s Scoring Machine

Cissna Park’s backcourt features Seth Walder, a senior who has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Class 1A basketball. Last season, he averaged 17.2 points, 4.3 assists, four rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, earning special mention on the Class 1A IBCA All-State team. Walder, along with teammate Dierks Neukomm—who averaged 21.7 points—aims to lead Cissna Park to its first winning season since 2019-20.

Grant Pomaranski: St. Anne’s Key Player

Finally, Grant Pomaranski from St. Anne represents another vital player this season. Under the guidance of coach Rick Schoon, who has been vocal about the talent in the Class of 2026, Pomaranski averaged 10 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals last year, earning KDJ honorable mention and first-team All-River Valley Conference honors. As St. Anne seeks to build on their undefeated River Valley Conference record from last season, Pomaranski will be a central figure in their pursuit of further accolades.

As the season unfolds, these five players will undoubtedly draw attention for their contributions and potential to shape the outcomes for their respective teams. With the excitement surrounding the 2025-2026 boys basketball season, fans can look forward to thrilling performances from these talented athletes.